Choosing a Provider
Choosing the right primary care provider (PCP) is an important decision and one that’s best made before you or your family needs immediate care. Take time to research your options, ask trusted friends or family for recommendations and consider additional factors like location, office hours, insurance coverage and experience with any specific health conditions you may have. Here we’ve assembled some additional information to help you find the provider who is right for you.
Family Practice Physicians
Family practice (or family medicine) physicians are trained to care for patients of all ages – from children to older adults. Their residency training includes pediatrics and women’s health (OB/GYN), allowing them to support the entire family’s health needs in one place. Family practice physicians provide wellness care, preventive screenings and treatment for a wide range of illnesses and conditions. They also help manage long-term health issues such as diabetes or high cholesterol and connect patients to specialists when needed.
Internal Medicine Physicians
Internal medicine physicians focus exclusively on the care of adults. Their residency training prepares them to diagnose, treat and manage the complex conditions that often arise in adulthood, such as heart disease, high blood pressure or arthritis. Like family physicians, internists also provide preventive care, comprehensive exams and on going management of chronic conditions. They serve as long-term partners in health, coordinating care and making referrals to specialists when necessary.
Gynecologists
Gynecologists specialize in the health of the female reproductive system across all stages of life. They diagnose and treat reproductive system conditions, perform preventive screenings and provide both medical and surgical care for women’s health concerns. Some gynecologists also serve as primary care providers, but not all, so it’s important to ask whether they provide full primary care services if you’d like them to fill that role.
Obstetricians
Obstetricians are physicians trained to care for women during pregnancy, labor and childbirth. They complete four years of medical school followed by a residency focused on pregnancy and delivery, as well as the medical and surgical care of reproductive health needs. Obstetricians are there to guide you through prenatal care, support you during delivery, and provide follow-up after your baby arrives.
Pediatricians
Pediatricians are physicians who specialize in the care of newborns, children and adolescents – from their first days of life through the teen years. After completing four years of medical school and a three-year residency focused on child and adolescent health, pediatricians are trained to support physical, developmental and emotional well-being during every stage of growth. They offer regular wellness visits, vaccinations, and health screenings and have specialized expertise in identifying and treating illnesses, injuries and developmental issues that affect children. Pediatricians play a vital role in monitoring growth milestones, offering guidance to families, and ensuring children receive the care they need to thrive
M.D.s and D.O.s
M.D.s (Medical Doctors) and D.O.s (Doctors of Osteopathy) are both fully licensed physicians who can diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of medical conditions. The primary difference between the two lies in the type of medical school they attend. While M.D.s graduate from allopathic medical schools, D.O.s complete osteopathic medical training, which includes additional education in the musculoskeletal system and a whole-person approach to care. After medical school, both M.D.s and D.O.s complete internships and residency training, may enter any medical specialty and must pass similar exams to become licensed and board-certified.
APPs
Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are highly trained medical professionals who work in partnership with physicians to deliver timely, expert care. The term “APP” includes nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs), both of whom are licensed to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, prescribe medications, order tests and develop care plans. With at least a master’s degree, and many holding doctorates, APPs practice in nearly every area of medicine, from primary care and family medicine to pediatrics, surgery and specialty services. As a result, they play a vital role in expanding access to care and supporting patients through preventive services, treatment and health education.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
Nurse practitioners (NPs) begin as registered nurses and become NPs once they complete their master’s or doctorate degree through an accredited nurse practitioner program and earn their certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board or the American Nurse’s Credentialing Center. They can train to provide primary care services, mental health services, adult-gerontology primary care, pediatric services and acute care services. Training includes physical exams, diagnosing and managing illnesses, prescribing medications and offering guidance on wellness and prevention. In Virginia, NPs can practice independently or under the supervision of a physician. A family nurse practitioner or FNP, has chosen to specialize in family medicine and is often found in primary care.
Physician Assistants (PAs)
Physician assistants (PAs) complete a bachelor’s degree followed by an accredited master’s-level PA program, which includes rigorous medical training and clinical experience. As part of their education, they complete many hours of supervised clinical practice that spans various primary and specialty areas. After passing a national exam, they must be nationally board certified and state licensed. In clinic, PAs work under the supervision of a physician and can practice in a variety of medical specialties, including family medicine.
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What Is Board Certification?
Board certification is a voluntary but important credential that demonstrates a physician’s commitment to high standards, ongoing education and expert care. Unlike state licensure, which is required to practice medicine, board certification involves rigorous testing, peer evaluation and continuing education to stay current with medical advances.
Find out if your doctor is board certified
Paying for Health Care Services
At Riverside Health, we’re committed to making your health care experience as seamless and supportive as possible. We accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer clear tools to help you understand your out-of-pocket costs before you receive care. Our online Care Estimates and MyChart access make it easy to plan ahead, with flexible payment options available if you need additional support. Whether you’re navigating co-pays, deductibles or billing questions, our team is here to help.
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